Fargo Man, Peter Greco, Shot After Armed Encounter With Police During Welfare Check
Authorities in Fargo have identified the man fatally shot during a police encounter in the city’s southern region on Wednesday, November 13. The victim, 65-year-old Peter Greco, was shot after emerging from his home with a handgun despite prolonged efforts by officers to de-escalate the tense situation.
Incident Summary
Officers responded to a distress call about Greco at approximately 10:12 a.m. The residence, located in the 6100 block of 61st Avenue South—just half a mile south of Deer Creek Elementary School—became the scene of a tragic confrontation after concerns arose regarding Greco’s mental health. Initial reports indicated that Greco had expressed suicidal thoughts, prompting an urgent welfare check.
Two Fargo officers, Sgt. Lucas Mock and Officer Princeten Harris, spent over 30 minutes engaging with Greco in an attempt to defuse the crisis. However, despite their efforts, Greco exited the house armed with a handgun. At that point, both officers discharged their weapons, fatally striking him.
Emergency responders, including Fargo Fire Department personnel and medical staff already on standby, provided immediate aid. Unfortunately, Greco was pronounced dead at the scene.
Officers Involved
The two officers directly involved in the shooting have been placed on administrative leave while an independent investigation is conducted by the North Dakota Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI).
Sgt. Lucas Mock
- **Tenure:** Joined the Fargo Police Department in 2016.
- **Promotions:** Advanced to the rank of sergeant in November 2021.
- **Current Role:** Supervises the day shift in the Neighborhood Services Division.
- **Special Assignments:**
- Commander of the department’s Crowd Management Team.
- Former Red River Valley SWAT team member for four years.
- Active instructor in the Training and Development Unit.
Officer Princeten Harris
- **Tenure:** A recent graduate of the Fargo Police Academy’s Class VII.
- **Experience:** On the force for less than a year, having joined 10 months prior.
- **Status:** Still completing the department’s Police Training Officer program.
Fargo Police Chief Dave Zibolski issued a statement acknowledging the difficulty of the incident and the efforts made by the officers to resolve it peacefully. He reiterated the department’s commitment to transparency and professionalism, stressing that a full investigation is underway to review the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
The Fargo Police Department has pledged to cooperate fully with the BCI’s inquiry. Chief Zibolski emphasized the importance of addressing mental health challenges in the community and urged individuals in crisis to seek support.
The BCI is conducting a meticulous examination of the officers’ actions, the use of force, and the sequence of events leading up to the shooting. Both officers will remain on paid leave until the investigation is concluded, a standard procedure in incidents involving lethal force.
This case highlights the complexities law enforcement officers face when responding to mental health emergencies. Advocacy groups and experts stress the need for enhanced resources and training to address such crises effectively. The Fargo community has also been reminded of the importance of mental health support services.
Authorities have urged individuals struggling with suicidal thoughts or emotional distress to access available resources, including the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, which provides confidential support 24/7.
While investigations continue, the incident serves as a somber reminder of the critical role law enforcement plays in addressing public safety and mental health issues, often under exceptionally challenging circumstances.
